Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 June 1877 — Agrioultural Department. [ARTICLE]

Agrioultural Department.

The Value of Drainage. From reports of continued rains and floods in various portions of the west, it would seem that the value of drainage to our soil was again to be tested. Last season flooding rains did incalculable damage, from the inability of the surface to carry off the accumulated water. It gave rise to a widespread inqairy for information as to the most feasible plan for drainage, and has also given an impetus to underdraining, such as has seldom been witnessed here before. But, however necessary underdraining is—and no one appreciates its value, or has striven to inculcate lessons more earnestly in this direction than ourselves, —nevertheless, we have steadily kept in mind, and have constantly stated in the Prairie Farmer , that surface draining must, perforce, supercede thorough, or tile drainage; and, this from the fact, that, it is simple and inexpensive. Heretofore we have given directions how to accomplish this surface drainage,and it will repay our readers to look over t heir files of the Prairie Farmer , to refresh their memories.

One thing we will add here. If your fields are suffering from an excess of water, look over the land and find the natural outfall. Then, no matter how wet the land, open water ways with the plow, by throwing two furrows outward, to intercept these natural channels. If necessary, these may be deepened with a winged shovel plow, which every farmer ought to have. They ought also to have a subsoil plow to assist this work by loosening the subsoil in the bottoms of the furrows. Thus, by following the natural depressions in the land, any farmer may easily incline the stipet fluous water in his fields to seek these outlets, and in many instances save a crop, which otherwise would be lost. It is true this work ought to have been done at the time of patting in the crop, upon all lands subject to a superabundance of moisture, but if not done, it should be attended to immediately. Do not be afraid of injury to the soil by the poaching of the horses’ feet. It will not damage the land so much as the partial, or a total loss of a crop will damage the pockets of the owners. Take your plow- and horses and open furrows corresponding with the lay of the land, to the natural depressions. Then the water will, as a rule, take care of itself. Thus, if taken in time, much difficulty may be avoided, and in nmuy instances what would othewise result in disaster to the crops, may be avoided. —Prairie Farmer .